Entries for Gulf Women Creativity Award open for participation until November 18th.

The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity is a prestigious recognition of the intellectual contributions of women in the Arabian Gulf to cultural and literary topics. Established by the Cultural and Media Office of the Gulf Cooperation Council, this award aims to elevate the role of women’s novel and poetic literature in the region while fostering healthy competition among experienced individuals.

The award, now in its eighth year, has seen a significant increase in participation from female writers across the GCC countries. This growth is a testament to the success and impact of the award in promoting creativity and showcasing the unique voices of women in the region. Salha Ghabesh, head of the cultural office, emphasized the award’s importance in celebrating the diverse talents of Gulf women and its role in enriching modern Gulf literature.

One of the key highlights of the Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity is the introduction of the Cultural Personality Award, which recognizes a Gulf woman who has made significant contributions to Gulf culture through her writings and intellectual depth. This addition reflects the award’s commitment to highlighting the richness and diversity of Gulf culture to a global audience.

To further enhance the award and support the development of female writers in the region, the General Secretariat has decided to feature writers from a single Arab country in each session. This year, the Republic of Iraq will participate with a focus on literary studies, specifically exploring “The Self and the Other in Travel Literature.” This strategic decision allows for a deeper dive into the literary contributions of a specific country while providing a platform for female writers to showcase their talents and narratives.

The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity covers three main fields: classical poetry (vertical poetry), critical studies on the self and the other in travel literature, and children’s literature (short stories). By focusing on these areas, the award aims to encourage diversity and innovation in literary creativity while honoring the unique perspectives and voices of Gulf women.

The selection process for the award is conducted with utmost transparency and integrity, overseen by literary and cultural experts to ensure fairness and quality in the evaluation of submissions. The Cultural and Media Office of the Council provides comprehensive guidance and support to participants throughout the application process, from submission to the awards ceremony.

Overall, the Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity stands as a beacon of recognition and empowerment for women in the Arabian Gulf, celebrating their intellectual achievements and contributions to cultural and literary discourse. As it continues to evolve and grow, this award will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female writers and creators in the region, fostering a legacy of creativity and innovation in Gulf literature.